It was a big weekend for second-year defenceman Braedyn Rogers as he scored his first OHL goal to help the Attack beat the Soo Greyhounds 4-0. Coming to Owen Sound as a 15-year-old rookie last season, Rogers has been seeing plenty of ice time this season as part of a younger D-core under the direction of Darren Rumble. We caught up with Braedyn after practice to chat about first goals, season goals and billet brothers. Here’s what he had to say.

First off, congratulations on your first OHL goal this Saturday against the Soo Greyhounds. Take us through the play and how you felt after you knew you’d scored?

Yeah, it was the first shift in the third period. And Marty just chipped it in the corner and Cedrick had a little battle in the corner and it popped out to me. I just walked across the blue line and sifted it through and luckily it went in. I didn’t really know what to do to be honest (laughs). I haven’t scored in so long.

Did it feel like a long time coming?

It was definitely in the back of my mind but I didn’t really let it get me down. But it’s nice to get off my chest for sure.

Did they give you the puck and all that jazz?

Yeah Colby told me he had to skate like 700 metres to get it (laughs).

You’ve become a key part of the Attack defense this season. How would you compare your role with the team last season to this season so far?

I think obviously, our D-core was a lot older last year and I just took things in and learned a lot and now I’m using what I learned to contribute more to the team. I learned a lot from HIllsy (Jordan Hill) last year too. I’m just trying to play in a lot more games this year, hopefully all of them, and I’m trying to focus on my job in the D zone before I focus on what I can do in the O zone.

Tell us a bit about your early hockey days? When did you first start playing and where did you play before being drafted to the Attack?

Growing up, we always had a backyard rink. We have a marsh and a pond so it’s perfect.  So we did that every winter. And then Belleville had an OHL team, the Belleville Bulls, and I grew up watching them. My dad got me into and I’ve loved it ever since I first stepped on the ice. I played for the Quinte Red Devils for 7 years of minor hockey and we always had a good team.

Describe what it was like moving to Owen Sound at such a young age?

Yeah, I was 15 when I first moved here so it was different for sure. I live with Sarah and Phil Rowes and they are so great. They took me in right away and it felt like home. I’m used to the city, Belleville has a very similar feel to Owen Sound and I really enjoy it. I still talk to my parents every day on FaceTime and they come up to games whenever they can.

You’re fortunate to have Colby Barlow as your billet brother. What has that been like?

Well, he just got a brand new truck, so that’s rad to ride around in (laughs). But seeing him at the rink and at home, he’s just as great of a person off the ice as he is on the ice as a player. I look up to him and he’s a great guy.

What’s the funniest story about living with Colby so far?

Last year it was me, Gavin and Colby together. They definitely played some tricks on me like hiding in my closet after a scary movie to scare me. They are good guys.  We hang out at home and play ping pong and have lots of laughs.

What are some of the most valuable things Colby has shared with you so far?

Just the way he prepares every day and the way he carries himself around the house. His bedroom is always spotless. From top to bottom, he’s an almost perfect guy.

And is your bedroom always spotless?

Uh no, My billet dad gets mad at me sometimes for not making my bed.

Yah but your younger, you’ve got time to get it dialed.

Yeah exactly. I’m working on it.

How would you describe your style of play?

I’m a defenseman who has good shot, and I have I’m a strong skater who can get out of bad situations.  I like to take pride in my D zone coverage before I focus on the offensive zone.

What are some of your goals for this season?

I’m just trying to stay in every game and play as much as I can. Obviously last year, I was coming in not knowing how many games I would play. I thought I played a ton for a rookie. So I think my next steps are just to play all 68 games and help contribute as much as I can to our team.

Do you have an NHL player you’d model your play after?

I used to say Mike Green when I was younger but I definitely don’t play like him at all (laughs).  I’d say Morgan Reilly.

Not a Ryan Reaves stirring things up from the bench?

Uh no, I might have to gain a few pounds to pull that off (laughs).

Last year you were recognized for your academics by the league. What does it take to juggle it all and how much school do you have left?

Here, they’re pretty strict on school. We go to school for half the day and we come to the rink for two hours. And my billet mom Sarah is the education consultant, so even at home she’s always talking about it with me. So I stay on top of it because I kind of have to (laughs.)  But, I’ve always been pretty decent at school. The word around my house was always that if you don’t do well in school, you don’t play hockey. So I’ve always stuck with that.  

You’ve definitely put on some size since last year. Tell us about your program this summer. Who were you working with and what did the program look like?

I worked with Jeremy Benoit and Tom Crowhurst at a new facility called Momentous Athletics. I’m luckily it’s right down the road from my house and a bunch of pro and NHL players go there. I am there every day at seven in the morning when I’m home. That definitely helped. And then I have been literally eating like whatever I can—even if it’s dessert. I just try to keep eating (laughs). But I I’ve done that for the past few years now and I’ve gained 10 pounds over the summer each year. It’s really hard to gain weight, that’s for sure.

Your billet family must have a hard time keeping up?

Yeah and Nico Addy lives with us as well and he eats a ton too.

Last year, you were named to the Hockey Canada U17 Development Roster and played at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Describe that experience?

I think it was around like late September last year that I found out. Wally and Hillsy called me into their coach’s office and told me it was going to happen. Then, I got a call from Hockey Canada later that night telling me I was had a couple of weeks to pack up and head to Langley, BC. Me and Corms were on the same team so that was a pretty cool and actually my D partner from Quinte was on the same team. He’s one of my best buddies so it was great to be there with him. It was a great experience being there for two weeks and seeing how Hockey Canada does things.  It’s something I’ll never forget and I’m proud to have that experience under my belt.

We’re going to wrap up with a few key questions:

What’s your favourite pump up music?

I usually listen to rap but let’s be honest, I’m never the music guy. It’s either Colby picking in the truck or Taos or Madden picking in the dressing room. I pretty much like everything though.

What’s one talent you wish you had?

Like a superhero power?
 

Sure…

Then I’d say super strength. Then I maybe I’d turn into Ryan Reaves.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I don’t think there’s a certain piece of advice but whatever my parents tell me, I usually go by that.

What’s your favourite pre-game meal?

We always have fish with sweet potatoes.

What’s your favourite post-game meal?

We head to Don’s if we get a big win.

Don’s? (laughs)

Yah, McDonalds.  But only if we have some days off after (laughs).